Or Perish in the Attempt: Wilderness Medicine in the Lewis & Clark Expedition

Rating:
Summary: The bold and the naiive
Review: The debut writing of Dr. Peck reveals the Lewis and Clark expedition in a new light. Not only do we learn about the route taken and what was discovered of the flora and fauna and landscape, we are taken into the Corps of Discovery. Having been given the omnipotent view of the trials and tribulations that went with this adventure, we learn about primitive wilderness medicine versus modern medicine. To read this is to become enriched about how far North Americans have come from the treatment of blood-letting! This book of high adventure in the untamed West will keep you enthralled until the last page is turned.

Rating:
Summary: The bold and the naiive
Review: The debut writing of Dr. Peck reveals the Lewis and Clark expedition in a new light. Not only do we learn about the route taken and what was discovered of the flora and fauna and landscape, we are taken into the Corps of Discovery. Having been given the omnipotent view of the trials and tribulations that went with this adventure, we learn about primitive wilderness medicine versus modern medicine. To read this is to become enriched about how far North Americans have come from the treatment of blood-letting! This book of high adventure in the untamed West will keep you enthralled until the last page is turned.

Rating:
Summary: A really great new Lewis and Clark book
Review: This narrative is very engaging, humorous, educational and I had a tough time putting the book down. This topic has not been covered well in the past and the author, a physician has gone into aspects of the Lewis and Clark story such as Lewis's suicide in detail that I have not read elsewhere. The book is not highly technical and the author whose biography states that he was a high school biology teacher prior to going into medicine, has cut through medical jargon in a highly understandable and entertaining manner. I felt like I had gone on the expedition when I finished the book. The wilderness adventure and medicine of the era is emphasized. I would highly recommend this book for any history buff and particularly for outdoors types and Lewis and Clark fans.

Rating:
Summary: An exhilarating view!
Review: To say that Dr. Peck has given light to another side of the journey of the Corp isn't enough; this is more than a fresh perspective. Or Perish in the Attempt earns its place among the great books about this journey of the Corp of Discovery. While reading this book the reader will feel the dust on the trail, the sweat from a day in the canoe, the fear of facing down a grizzly, and the curiosity as Lewis and Clark disperse liberal doses of "Thunderclappers." Dr. Peck has given us a well researched account of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and taught us crucial lessons in wilderness medicine at the beginning of the 19th century. I can't wait to go back to these dog-eared pages and retrace the steps again. Thank you for the well written book, thank you for the medical insights with the explanation that I can understand, and thank you for bringing these stories to light.

Rating:
Summary: An exhilarating view!
Review: To say that Dr. Peck has given light to another side of the journey of the Corp isn't enough; this is more than a fresh perspective. Or Perish in the Attempt earns its place among the great books about this journey of the Corp of Discovery. While reading this book the reader will feel the dust on the trail, the sweat from a day in the canoe, the fear of facing down a grizzly, and the curiosity as Lewis and Clark disperse liberal doses of "Thunderclappers." Dr. Peck has given us a well researched account of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and taught us crucial lessons in wilderness medicine at the beginning of the 19th century. I can't wait to go back to these dog-eared pages and retrace the steps again. Thank you for the well written book, thank you for the medical insights with the explanation that I can understand, and thank you for bringing these stories to light.

Rating:
Summary: Read this Lewis & Clark book first
Review: While the primary purpose of this book is to cover the medical aspects of the Lewis & Clark expedition, it is also a great overview of the expedition in general. It is a very readable book with a candid and refreshing viewpoint, and comes from the perspective of an author who is very familiar with life in the outdoors, as well as being a physician. While many history books read like a dull college lecture, this book is more like hearing the story told while sitting around a campfire in Montana. It is a great book for the Lewis & Clark beginner, as well as an essential reference for those interested in the medical details of the Lewis & Clark expedition.